Frances Anita Bryner

Frances Anita Sessa Bryner was born July 4, 1942 in Washington, D.C., to John Sessa and Antoinette (Cataldi) Sessa. She passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, in Waldorf, MD.

She earned her bachelor's degree from Catholic University and a master's degree in instructional systems development from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Frances and her husband, Bill Bryner, raised their 5 children in Waldorf, where she co-founded Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) church and worked as Director of Religious Education. She later led the ESOL program in Charles County, dedicating her career to helping students learn English, creating lessons and materials that made language feel accessible and welcoming. She and Bill made many life-long friends through OLHC.

In addition to OLHC, Frances also cherished time in Ocean City, NJ, and visits with family in Northern Italy.

Frances was known for her generous spirit, deep love of family, and abiding faith in God. She gave of herself freely - to her family, her students, and her community - and in doing so became a quiet light in the lives of many. Her compassion reached far beyond what she did, living on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her son John (Julie); daughters Theresa, Anita, Michelle, and Jeanna (Evan Clark), her grandchildren Jonathan (Eliana), Joey (Connie), Janie, Emmett, and Oliver and great-grandson Bruin, and her brothers John and Joseph Sessa. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Bert (Bill) Bryner.

A memorial service to celebrate and commemorate Fran's life will be held on Friday, February 27, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians in Waldorf, followed by a repast in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph's Indian School, a favorite charity of Fran's.